Understanding Spiritual Growth

INTRODUCTION:

From the very beginning of Man, when God made Him, even before the fall, man was made a ‘being/creature’ that was meant to grow up unto God (i.e to grow spiritually) Genesis 2:16-17 – there was still room to grow to become more like God. Unlike Angels of God in heaven, who were made perfect in their various heavens (Ezekiel 28:12-14), not needing to grow or change estate for to become better, man was made ‘not fully perfect’, still needing to grow unto perfection for to finally inherit God. Man in Genesis 1 and 2, though not having sin in anyway within himself, but yet not having arrived at the end stage of all God intended for Him to be (Jude 6; Colossians 1:19; Ephesians 4:15).

The need to grow: the blessing that makes man unique and special amongst God’s creation

While many saints, without proper understanding repel against the very biblical thought of a need for a Christian to grow even after being born again, it is good to boldly emphasize that ‘the need and trait in the human nature for to grow spiritually is what makes man most blessed/special/unique amongst all of God’s creation. Man can and by design of God is framed to grow spiritually. Man can grow spiritually unto perfection, out of just being in the estate of man, to coming into the estate and life of God (Hebrews 1:7-8; Ephesians 4:13-15).

Angels, in all their spheres cannot grow in stature. As a matter of fact, it is a sin and high treason for them to attempt or even desire to grow, it is against the law of their make (Isaiah 14:12-14; Jude 6).

Growing up unto God

Spiritual growth is not growing for just growing sake. It is growing for to come into the nature, stature and life of God (1st Peter 1:4; Ephesians 4:13-15). God, in the beginning, put the Tree of Life in the garden of Eden so that man would eventually by growth come into inheriting Eternal Life which is the very Life of God. It is good to emphasize that in spiritual growth, we grow for to become like God.

Why growth?

• To be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (1st Peter 1:14-15; Matt 5:48; Ephesians 1:3-5)
• To come into higher estates in God. God through the gift and opportunity to grow gave mankind the opportunity to choose our eternal lot and inheritance
• Now in the era post fall of Adam, we are to grow so as to overcome the enemies of God’s life (Ephesians 6:12-

15; 1John 2:15 etc)

• To become sinless, deathless and incorruptible, Hallelujah! (1st Peter 1:4)

What part of Us/Man needs to grow? (1st Thessalonians 5:23, Gen 2:7-9, 15-17)

Man is tripartite in nature (Spirit, Soul and Body), He is essentially a spirit (Gen 1:26-27), he has a soul (3 John 1:2), and he lives in a body (1Cor 6:20; 1Cor 9:27). The spirit of a man is born (Jn 3:5-7) and is the candle of the Lord (Prov 20:27). The soul is the part of the man that grows into a different state of development. Whilst the body grows physically, the soul develops by knowledge.

In conclusion, growth is a theme of the earth. God blessed the earth with the ability for things to grow; anything not subjected to growth is not living. As we continue in the study, we trust God for us to be burdened with the great desire to grow till we hold the head, even Christ.